Old Bar

I think Underground has closed. Its really a shame because this was one of the best hidden restaurants by far in raleigh more

I recently dined at Underground with a group of friends, and I was very excited to try it after all the wonderful things I had heard. Unfortunately, however, we were informed that the original owners are no longer there and that the restaurant will be closing down soon. So, if the owners are gone, who's running the place? That would be the owner of the building, and of Goodnight's. I have no complaints about the wait staff; they did an excellent job handling a large party. We did, however, experience bad food (cold, tough chicken) and one person in our party found a hair in her water and a chip in the rim of her wine glass. Another person in our party was given wine in a dirty, sticky glass. These issues were brought to the attention of the owner, who told us that he would comp. some of our appetizers. When the bill arrived, not one thing had been left off. We asked to see the owner again, and when he came in he did not listen at all to our concerns. Instead, he assumed that we were complaining about their no-check-splitting policy (we weren't complaing about this, we were well aware of it) and proceeded to tell us about the policy. When we told him that that was not our complaint, it was like talking to a brick wall. He kept harping on that, and we were completely unable to get through to him. His whole demeanor was incredibly rude and condescending, and I was offended by his attitude. When a member of our party informed him that we would not be returning to his establishment, he told us that it didn't matter because he was closing the place anyway. We were all taken aback by this attitude. What kind of customer service is that? I'm disappointed, because I have not yet been to Goodnights... but now I will not give them my business either, knowing that this man owns the place. It's very sad that I didn't get to experience Underground when it was good. Pros: Great wait staff Cons: Rude owner/manager, dirty dishes, cold food more

I've been to Underground three times now--with a friend, with my mom, and with a group of friends--and it was great EVERY time. The menu changes are always interesting and the wine selection is both wonderful and short (I love restaurants that limit their lists to just a few great, affordable wines instead of trying to confuse you with 100 overpriced wines). Anyway, back to the food--it's great. Even my vegan friend was able to pick some great vegatable sides. I have at times been unhappy at some of the prices of the smaller dishes (example: if I'm paying more than $3 for green beans, I want more than six individual green beans!) but overall the pricing is excellent for what you get--as long as you understand ahead of time what you will be getting when you order "tapas". One word of caution, though: if you don't want to be part of a bar scene, try to be done with dinner before 9:00/9:30, as the bar gets pretty active, noisy, and smoky later into the evening. Kudos to the owners and staff! I'll be back soon! more

I recently went to this restaurant with my boyfriend and it was excellent!! The atmosphere is very intimate and interesting and the food was amazing. We both agreed that it was the best meal we had in Raleigh. It has very good prices for both food and drinks. Also, it turns into a bar with a dj at night...definitely going back for that!! I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone!! Pros: Great food, Great Price, Great atmosphere, and Great service!! Cons: None!! more

Wow, what an awesome resturant. Modestly priced, great food, and I had a good glass of wine. I had a 3 course meal for me and my girlfriend that tasted great and was quite filfilling for less than 50 dollars. I believe it is one of Raleigh's top resturants. more

We were lucky enough to chat with owner/chef Daniel throughout our meal. The passion this guy has for food is pronouced in every bite! The prices are insanely low given the quality of the food. I love the cellar atmosphere, very NYC. Pros: Local produce when possible, Cons: NONE more

Underground is one of the best restaurants in the area: great food and a chill atmosphere. The menu is packed with fresh, interesting and best of all...simple, dishes. That said..the place is pretty small and is definitely not designed for large groups. There are 12 tables at most and usually only one of two servers and a bartender working in the front. I know for a fact that the kitchen staff totals *three* even on the weekends. But the small staff and physical limitations of the restaurant make their achievements even more impressive: the servers and bartenders remain friendly and positive even when the place is packed, the chef still makes time to shake hands and trade recipes with guests and even the new hostess is usually dancing. So.. go to Underground and go often. (but call ahead on the weekends) Pros: Awesome food and a great staff. Cons: Can get kind of overwhelming on weekends, call ahead or go after 8pm. more

Underground hosts great local bands every Thursday night. It's free, the drinks are cheap and the crowd is awesome. Pros: Live music on Thursdays, cheap drinks, great food. more

Absolutely the best tapas place in town. As you walk in the door you'll find your self transponded to a completely different world. Black dimly lit environment, with old brick layout and candle lights on each table just set the mood right. Its a very romantic place and ideal to take a date and at the same time ideal place to just hang out with friends, as you can actually talk and hear each other (with soft 80's music running in the background). You instantly feel special when you are greeted and seated by Dawn (one of the owners). Its a family owned resturant with Dawn, the perfect hostess and Danial.. oh! the master chef. The food he creatres is truly sublime, simple yet so delicious. BTW, if you did not know, the ingredients are freashly bought for each day, every morning from the local farmer's market. I don't think anything I say would suffice and capture the whole spectrum of the place, you have to be there to experience it. You get treated like Gods and Godesses, and trust me the food is ambrosia. We have tried almost all high ranked Tapas/Small Plates resturants (and some of them really expensive) and I can say for sure Ungerdround kicks their butt big time! And wait till you hear the best part...it has everything and yet its not at all expensive!! I'd say best deal in town guys!.. And no I do not own or have any stake in the place..just a really happy customer... thanks dawn and dan Pros: Great food, very romantic, inexpensive Cons: they still charge money ;-) wish I could eat there everyday!! more

My workmates and I go to the Underground regularly. We love it, and most readers will too. But you have to approach the Underground and similar restaurants with an open mind because they are not the traditional American dining experience. Some call these "tapas" restaurants, but that's not really the case either. (I worte a longer explanationa but CitySearch wouldn't accommodate it.) Lacking this variety of places within walking distance, American tapas restaurants, such as Underground, typically offer a full complement of choices. The price is often a little higher for the portion size, but you are paying for craftsmanship and quality of ingredients. The smaller portion size actually makes for a much more enjoyable experience, as you can try several items without feeling like a plateful of food is going to waste. The Underground is a local treasure -- and much cheaper than a trip to Europe. Pros: Food, Quality, Variety Cons: Darkish interior more

Underground is one of my favorites in the area. I love the changing menu- and always order any duck dish on the menu! I am so happy to have Underground here. Pros: service, food more

I've eaten at Underground many times I've gone there for a date and in group settings as well. No matter how you go, it's always so good! Every menu item that comes from the kitchen tastes as if it was the only item being prepared. The flavors melt over your senses. I think simplicity is their secret. The food tastes so fresh and is uncomplicated by additional ingredients. The menu changes daily (in one week, I dined there 3 times and got different plates each time). Desserts are a favorite of mine, and all are wonderful. I've had the vanilla and ginger creme brulee, chocolate mousse and the strawberry shortcake lately. The strawberries (I think they said from Dunn) were delicious and the homemade biscuit - yummy. The ambience is original and so is the food. I would tell anyone to go to Underground. It's one of a kind. Pros: Food, Parking Lot, Ambience more

I am a mother of 3 with one on the way, and we don't get out very much. But when we do, we always head to Underground. The menu changes daily so we always have a good variety of food to choose from. The hummus and flatbread is a must every meal. The clams are always delicious, and if ever you see the duck with sour cherries on the menu, I highly reccommend it! My husband never leaves until he has the hanger steak, along with a yummy fish dish and/or salad entree. Everything is cooked to perfection and the presentation is the best. Plus, they are small plates of food so you can savor many different entrees and still not leave feeling stuffed. Of course, then there is the dessert...anything chocolate Chef Dan makes is to die for. more

Our neighborhood has a monthly dine-around and we chose the Underground based upon Greg Cox's N&O review and reviews posted here. We were not disappointed! The hanger steak and duck were most delicious and each under $10. The scallops were huge and were raved about by three others in our party. Plates came out in spurts of 2-4 at a time, which although was a bit bothersome with a large party, was acceptable since each plate was so meticulously, and deliciously, prepared. Pros: Incredible food, Excellent Service, Great wine! Cons: Limited wine list, Not a place for kids, Is no kids a con? more

I enjoy the changing menu provided by Chef Dan. Each of my visits has been an exercise in restrant. EVERYTHING served me has been delightful in: presentation, aroma, and taste. On my "you must try list" is; humas & flat bread and Chef Dan's Mussels. "Underground" will satisfy your dining needs from a before dinner drink to your meal, excellent selection of wines, to the good memories you are sure to take home and share with friends. Pros: knowledgable staff, cozy atmosphere, good $ value Cons: none more

I happened upon this basement restaurant Under Charlie Goodnight's to find a warm inviting atmosphere that was very comfortable. The menu is simple and elegant and the food was flawless. Everything on the menu is under ten dollars and the waiter told me it changes everyday. I don't think I can get bored with this new little gem in Downtown Raleigh. Pros: Great food, Relaxed feel, Inexpensive Cons: hard to find, can get very busy more

If you only remember the restaurant under Charlie Goodnights as that awful Mexican place you won't believe this! The food was top-notch. The ingredients were the freshest and the dishes kept simple to showcase them. We tried about 8 tapas and 4 desserts between four of us (two vegetarians). Nothing failed to impress. The service was attentive and freindly. We've added Underground to our list of restaurants we will visit often. Pros: Lo cost, Fresh ingredients, Inventive Cons: decor more

I was very pleased with my whole experience at the Underground. I had stopped the bar on a Wed. for a drink and took a look at the menu and thought the selection of menu items was very unique. That same weekend, my girlfriend and I were looking for a place to go out to eat and wanted to try something new and different. We headed to the the Underground and had an excellent experience. We were fimilar with Tapas style foods, but the combination of Tapas portions and European style allowed us to try serveral things off the menu. I would recommend this to anyone looking for great food and a bottle of wine!!! Pros: Good Food, Good Drink Cons: Gets Crowded Late more

After the clueless waitress informed my party that the restaurant was out of frittatas (out of eggs??) She went on to describe the cut of meat by running her hands along her belly and saying it was from the diapragm of the cow. She went onto describe that the fish feeds on crustaceans. We were thoroughly grossed out, but then we were just impatient as it took 2 1/2 hours for all of our food to be sent to our table. Underground should be buried. Pros: food Cons: slow poor service, ambience of a bar more